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3 Replies Last post: Jan 5, 2009 12:41 AM by number6

Passiveson

33 posts since
Dec 18, 2008

Jan 4, 2009 10:56 PM

Is Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage 'Malware'?

With all the characteristics attributed to Trojans, do you think Microsoft's Genuine Advantage should be listed in virus updates as Malware?

Reply Tags: antivirus, windows, privacy, spyware, trojan, virus

SpiritWind

1,722 posts since
Aug 19, 2006

1. Jan 4, 2009 11:37 PM

in response to: Passiveson

Re: Is Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage 'Malware'?

Hi :

There are 2 "parts" of Windows Genuine Advantage; One is the "Validation Tool" , which

seems reasonable to me and many others, and the Other is the "Notification Tool", which

raised quite a "Stink" several yrs ago when Microsoft tried "sneaking" it onto people's

computers . Last I heard, the "Notification Tool" was "Optional" and is generally considered

a "Nag" screen . More like "Adware", not "Malware" .

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Passiveson

33 posts since
Dec 18, 2008

2. Jan 5, 2009 12:10 AM

in response to: SpiritWind

Re: Is Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage 'Malware'?

Adware is a hijacker, malware on the other hand misrepresents the status of threats to your computer to sell a solution.

WGA's persistent popups preporting 'You may be the victim of piracy' and requesting $149.00 for 'Genuine' Microsoft software, is just that, malware. My Windows XP is 'Genuine', reinstalled on a new computer. Now Ol' Billy asked me to download WGA before allowing me updates, and, SURPRISE, No more updates until I kick him some cash.

Tall me that ain't malware!